THEY have come from careers as diverse as teaching, architecture and nursing, and range in age from 27 to 62.

But they are all united in the mission to serve communities across Hampshire.

Eleven men and women have been formally unveiled as the latest members of the Bishop of Winchester’s teams after they were ordained in a special ceremony.

They have become the Diocese of Winchester’s latest deacons, and will now get to work in communities across the county.

The ceremony at Winchester Cathedral followed two to three years of training to prepare them for their new vocation serving the church and their new communities.

Their roles will include assisting at worship, working on community outreach projects and working with schools, and some of them may go on to be ordained as full priests.

The Bishop of Winchester, the Rt Rev Tim Dakin, said: “I am delighted to have welcomed these new members of the clergy this weekend.

“Deacons take on a particular responsibility to serve the community and reach out to those in need, and play an important part in proclaiming the Gospel to their local communities.

“They have been called to lead the Church in mission and ministering to the needs and hopes of all people, making the love and transforming power of God visible in the world around them.”

“Deacons are a great blessing to us all and each new member of the clergy will play an important part leading the church in God’s mission across our diocese – reaching out into every corner of our local communities to demonstrate the power of God’s Holy Spirit and working together for social justice.

“I look forward to working closely with all of them over the coming years and ask everyone across our diocese to keep them in their prayers.”

Who are the new deacons?

  • Lerys Campbell, 29, a former learning support assistant at Kings Worthy School, will work in the benefice of Ringwood
  • Lee Davies, 38, a former mission development officer at the Diocese of Liverpool, will work in the benefice of Andover St Mary
  • Nicky Davies, 45, a former journalist, will work in the benefice of Fordingbridge and Breamore and Hale with the Charfords
  • Rachel Hartland, 45, a former duty manager at a science exhibition centre in Bracknell, Berkshire, will work in the benefice of Old Basing and Lychpit
  • Jono Harvey, 42, a former teacher, will work in the benefice of Eastleigh
  • Jo Mulliner, 43, a former teacher, will work in the nenefice of Lymington
  • Rachel Noel, 39, a former customer journey manager at Carnival UK in Southampton, will work in the benefice of Fordingbridge and Breamore and Hale with the Charfords
  • Amy Powis, 27, a former youth worker, will work in the benefice of Shirley
  • Linda Scard, 62, a former customer services director, will work in the benefice of North Hampshire Downs
  • Angie Smith, 50, a former architect in Winchester, will work in the benefice of Winchester Christ Church
  • Christine Whitehead, 51, will continue working as a nursing lecturer, and will work in the benefice of Chandler’s Ford.